Fire Watch Roundup

The Arapaho fire northwest of Wheatland, as of late Wednesday had burned over 93,000 acres with 25 percent containment.

Burnout operations on the SW corner of the fire were successful. Fire officials say shifting winds and record dry conditions continue to pose challenges for the firefighters. Casper and Rock River may experience additional smoke in the area over the next several days

Fire fighters hope for possible wetting rains with showers and thunderstorms by late Thursday through Friday.

***

A wildfire south of Laramie grew to 14 square miles and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes. The Squirrel Creek Fire threatens nearly 300 homes and more than 200 other buildings.

Earlier Wednesday The Albany County Sheriff’s Office issued an Evacuation Notice for the Lake Owen and Dry Park vicinity. Pre-evacuation notices are issued for a 4-mile radius around the community of Albany.

****

Help is arriving to bolster ranks battling the growing wildfire near Newcastle. Officials say the Oil Creek fire scorched over 9 square miles and was about 40 percent contained late Wednesday.

More firefighters and bulldozers were en route to help ground crews there. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.

****

Officials with the Wyoming Department of AG, the Livestock Board and Office of Homeland Security have implemented an emergency plan for evacuated livestock.

There helping to locate hay and deliver it to shelters. Livestock owners need to make arrangements to care for animals within 72 hours of arriving at shelter sites. Call the Wyoming Livestock Board if you have any questions, 307-920-1200 or 307-256-0953 for more information. Thanks